The football shirt industry is worth billions today, but just about 50 years ago, fans would have to piece together their own replica kit by stitching together a club emblem on a makeshift garment. That was until 1974, when British sportswear label Admiral signed a historic kit deal with Leeds United, ushering in the age of replica shirts. While not globally recognized as Nike, adidas or even Umbro, Admiral has produced some of football's most iconic kits — from Manchester United's 1977 home strip to England's 1982 World Cup shirt.
To celebrate its often overlooked, but influential history, Admiral worked with Halcyon Publishing and Glory Magazine co-founder Lee Nash to release a proper deep dive on its greatest ever kits. Nash enlisted the help of photographer James Hendley, a football fantatic himself, to chronicle 100 shirts in a new book called Admiral 50 Years of the Replica Shirt.
Nash tapped into Admiral's archive, sourcing shirts both old and new, as well as enlisting the help of Classic Football Shirts, Cult Kits and private collectors from the UK and Europe. The book also features interviews and recollections from legendary players, commentators and fans, including Harry Pearson, Maisie Adam, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and more. “As a complete football obsessive, getting some of the leading names in football to contribute to the book has been amazing,” Nash said in a past interview.
Admiral 50 Years of the Replica Shirt is available to preorder for $56 USD. The books will begin shipping in June 2024.
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